Handling and transport system

Abstract

A slab handling device for facilitating movement of slabs around a facility is presented. The slab handling device includes a base frame disposed horizontally in parallel to a floor surface, wherein a first end of the base frame comprises a projection extending from the base frame. The base frame hosts a second frame disposed vertically on the base frame to form a viewing side and a stacking side. Pluralities of side wheels are coupled to the base frame, wherein the diameter of the plurality of track wheels is greater than the diameter of the plurality of side wheels. A first set of end stoppers are disposed on the base frame and configured to hold a slab in position on the viewing side and a second set of end stoppers are disposed on the base frame and configured to hold multiple slabs in place on the stacking side.

I claim: 
     
       1. A slab handling device for facilitating movement of slabs around a facility, the slab handling device comprising:
 a base frame disposed horizontally in parallel to a floor surface, wherein a first end of the base frame comprises a projection extending from the base frame, the base frame comprising a grid of support structures to host a second frame disposed vertically on the base frame to form a viewing side and a stacking side, the second frame comprising a plurality of vertical support members, at least two or more diagonal support members coupled to the vertical support members, and one or more horizontal members coupled the vertical members; 
 a plurality of track wheels coupled to the base frame and configured to roll within a track when in motion; 
 a plurality of side wheels coupled to the base frame, wherein the diameter of the plurality of track wheels is greater than the diameter of the plurality of side wheels; and 
 a first set of end stoppers disposed on the base frame and configured to hold a slab in position on the viewing side; a second set of end stoppers disposed on the base frame and configured to hold multiple slabs in place on the stacking side; 
 wherein the grid of support structures are made from materials having hollow cross-section, and configured to support slabs disposed thereon while the slab handling device is in motion or at rest. 
 
     
     
       2. The slab handing device as recited in  claim 1  further coupled to a drive mechanism configured to move the slab handling device on the track disposed around the facility. 
     
     
       3. The slab handling device as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the drive mechanism is further configured to move and stop the slab handling device. 
     
     
       4. The slab handling device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of track wheels is made from at least one selected from the group consisting of a heavy duty castor, and a hardened rubber. 
     
     
       5. The slab handing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the base frame is configured to accommodate one or more slabs on the viewing side and a plurality of slabs on the stacking side. 
     
     
       6. The slab handling device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the projection extending from the base frame is configured as a stopper for the base frame and the second frame from tripping due to overload. 
     
     
       7. A slab handling and transport system comprising:
 a plurality of slab handling devices for facilitating movement of slabs around a facility, wherein each slab handling device comprising a base frame disposed horizontally in parallel to a floor surface, wherein a first end of the base frame comprises a projection extending from the base frame, the base frame comprising a grid of support structures to host a second frame disposed vertically on the base frame to form a viewing side and a stacking side, the second frame comprising a plurality of vertical support members, at least two or more diagonal support members coupled to the vertical support members, and one or more horizontal members coupled to the vertical members; a plurality of track wheels coupled to the base frame and configured for rolling; a plurality of side wheels coupled to the base frame, wherein the diameter of the plurality of track wheels is greater than the diameter of the slab in position on the viewing side; a second set of end stoppers disposed on the base frame and configured to hold multiple slabs in place on the stacking side; wherein the plurality of slab handling devices are coupled together to form a transport train; and 
 a track disposed around the facility comprising a central production area, a viewing area, and a loading-unloading bay, wherein the plurality of slab handling devices are configured to move continuously on the track and around the central production area, the viewing area and the loading-unloading bay seamlessly; 
 wherein the stacking side of each slab handling device is generally aligned towards the central production area and the viewing side of the each slab handling device is generally aligned towards the viewing area. 
 
     
     
       8. The slab handling and transport system as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the transport train is configured to move and stop on the track. 
     
     
       9. The slab handling and transport system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the each slab handling device is configured to store inventory of slabs and to display slabs at the viewing area.